News
We bring you the latest from around the World in wildlife and conservation news.
WWF Helps Break Up Major Ivory Trafficking Network
WWF has helped the authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to dismantle a major ivory trafficking syndicate striking a significant blow to the illegal ivory trade. Authorities in the DRC seized roughly 66 pounds of ivory tusks and ornaments at the start of the month and arrested several traffickers who remain in custody. Every year thousands of elephants are slaughtered and the arrests represent a major step in the fight against wildlife crime.
WWF Worried By Rhino Poaching
South Africa says that rhino poaching has fallen for the first time since 2007. Despite that bit of good news, the number of rhinos killed in neighbouring countries has risen which offsets the improvement. According to the government of South Africa , there were 1,175 rhinos illegally killed in 2015 which is slightly less than the 2014 figure of 1,215. The bad news is that there were 130 rhinos killed by poachers in Zimbabwe and Namibia during the same period which represents an increase of 200 per cent over the same period.
Conservationists Thrilled With Arrival Of Habituated Western Gorilla Twins
The first set of twins to ever be born to habituated gorillas in the Dzanga-Sangha Protected Areas (DSPA) complex in the Central African Republic (CAR) have arrived. The babies have yet to be named though conservationists are thrilled by their arrival. The babies were first seen at the end of January at Bai Hokou where they were spotted hanging on to their moth Malui with their father Makumba the resident silverback hovering protectively close by.
Conservationist Killed Whilst Chasing Elephant Poachers
Wildlife conservations are mourning the loss of a British helicopter pilot that was shot sitting in his aircraft whilst he was tracking elephant poachers in Tanzania. Roger Gower who was just 37 was assisting park rangers locate the poachers that were responsible for the death of elephants in the Maswa Game Reserve. Whilst he was doing this one poacher leapt out from the bush and shot at his aircraft with an AK-47. Apparently Mr. Gower was flying too close to an elephant carcass that was being guarded by the poachers who had not yet harvested the animal’s tusks.
Bei Bei The Panda Unveiled To The General Public
Residents of Washington D.C. got their first close up look last month of the giant panda cub named Bei Bei who has become the main star of the National Zoo. Until recently Bei Bei could only be seen through the so called Panda Cam which was a video stream of the baby panda which enabled people to see view the panda cub for the first five months of its life. As soon as Bei Bei was unveiled to the public a line formed before opening time so people could get a look at the little ball of fur inside its sound proof glass enclosure.
Husky Pack Adopts Kitten As One Of Their Own
Three Huskies living together in California have started to raise a cat that was rescued as one of their own the owner of the dogs says. The three Siberian Huskies, Miko, Infinity and Lilo have become best of friends with the cat who is named Rosie. Thoa Bui who is the owner of the animals says they do everything together including eating, sleeping and playing.
Great White Shark Dies In Captivity At Japanese Aquarium
A big great white shark that was put on display at a Japanese aquarium in a move that was heavily criticised globally on social media died less than three days after the move took place. The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium stated on its website in red letters that its great white shark exhibit “has been terminated.” The Wall Street Journal reported the shark died citing information provided by one of the exhibit keepers.
Lion Rescued In Kruger National Park With Help Of Social Media
Recently a male lion was seen in Kruger National Park with a wire snare that was deeply embedded around his neck. Fortunately for the lion, park rangers tracked it over two days and rescued it. The incident unfortunately highlights the fact that there are many risks animals in the wild face at the hands of poachers in both South Africa and wilderness reserves.